BBC partners with international broadcasters to support anticensorship website

The BBC has joined forces with other leading international broadcasters to support bypasscensorship.org, a new website which helps internet users around the world access news and information.

International news websites, along with social media and messaging channels used for accessing, sharing and engaging in the free flow of news and information online are routinely blocked by governments in many countries.

The Bypass Censorship initiative provides information on how to access and download the security-conscious tools, and features guides on their use.

When governments try to block these circumvention tools, the site is updated with information to help users stay ahead of the censors and maintain access to news sites.

The BBC has partnered with the Broadcasting Board of Governors (US), Deutsche Welle (Germany) and France Médias Monde (France) to co-sponsor the initiative.

BBG CEO, John F. Lansing says: “The right to seek, and impart, facts and ideas is a universal human right which many repressive governments seek to control.

“This website presents an incredible opportunity to provide citizens around the world with the resources they need to access a free and open internet for uncensored news and information essential to making informed decisions about their lives and communities.”

The broadcasters supporting the Bypass Censorship site are part of the DG7 group of media organisations which are consistent supporters of UN resolutions on media freedom and the safety of journalists.